Fat Transfer for Lips: Worth It?

The reason fat grafts in lips don't work well is because the lips move a lot. Grafts, no matter what kind, don't take well in areas with a lot of motion. If you restrict the graft to 1cc per lip and do it in the deep layer within the muscle, the result is more reliable.

Fat Grafting for lip augmentation is an excellent option and is NOT ABSORBED completely over time.  Over the years fat grafting techniques have evolved, with refinements in harvesting, injection, and preparation.  It is true that a portion of the fat that is injected will be reabsorbed, but with slight over correction, a lasting volume enhancement will be seen.  The addition of Platelet Rich Plasma to the fat that is injected will aid in volume retention via stimulation of... more

Your own fat is the best material for lip augmentation because it replenishes what is lacking in your lip... The reason for failure or poor results in the past was due to poor technique. Fat needs blood supply to survive. Adult stem cell technology gives an excellent option for permanent lip augmentation using your own adult stem cells and fat tissue. The stem cells in their regenerative process release several growth factors and cause angiogenesis (new capillary formation). The combination o more

Fat is not the best option for lip augmentation. there is a great deal of resorption. The reason for that is the fact that lips move a great deal. Hyalouronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm may be best options.

Fat grafting to the lips is very difficult because as much as half of the grafted fat can be expected to resorb. This makes it difficult to anticipate what the final result will look like. Additionally, when placing fat in such a superficial area, it is hard to get a perfectly smooth result and lumps may become visible. Finally, the fat that does survive is permanent, so if you are not happy, it can be very difficult to correct. This is why I recommend Juvederm to my patients for lip... more

Fat grafts are becoming more popular, as we have learned to refine the techniques for both harvesting and rejecting. No one consistently obtains 100% survival but if the graphs survive they can survive for much longer time than the temporary dermal fillers which usually last 9-12 months. Talk with your plastic surgeon as to the technique he uses for both harvesting the fat as well as injecting. The most important thing is to minimize the trauma to the fat cells as you are removing them, and... more

Unfortunately injected or even transplanted fat into the lips will resorb over time, usually less than a year. It can look great at first but ALWAYS dissappears over time. On the other hand a dermal-fat graft from the suprapubic area will have permanent augmentation....you can see examples of this at aventuraplasticsurgery.com

Fat is an OK option for lip augmenation.  It has a high rate of absorption here and can leave behind slight asymmetries if it is absorbed asymmetrically by your body.  HA's have a better track record of predictability here, but consider fat as an add on if you are going to be "under" anesthesia for another procedure.

Fat augmentation for lips is something that I perform but I will say I use it in a few patients. The concept of "when it works is amazing" is not something that is appetizing for me as a surgeon. If it absorbs symetrically it does look great but I have seen patients with asymetry who are unhappy. I would use a reversible filler such as Juvederm or Restylane especially because you are so young to see what it would be like. You may not like your lips larger as much as you... more